On October 6, 2022, our family lost Eric Trenier Montgomery. Eric was 1 of 3 children born to the late Elizabeth (Lizzy) Hawkins Montgomery and Robert (LC) Montgomery. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Wise God Allah (Grier Montgomery). He leaves behind a sister, Lawana Montgomery (Steubenville, OH), a half-sister Gloria Richardson (Jeannie of Philadelphia, PA), and 9 children; Quay Brown (Chicago, IL), Treynier Palmer (San Francisco, CA), Brandon Garrison (Steubenville, OH), Pierre Wade (Columbus, OH), Rainey Wade (Columbus, OH), Lyric Montgomery (Columbus, OH), Eric Montgomery (Steubenville, OH), Erica Montgomery (Steubenville, OH), and William Luke (Texas). He will also be missed by his significant other, April Johnson (Pittsburgh, PA), grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, his irreplaceable childhood friend Royal Mayo, and a host of other friends.

Eric was a simple, yet complicated, and devoted person who would do anything for those he loved. Many never got a chance to get to know him beyond the surface, but those who grew up with him got an opportunity to see a fearless man who walked with his head high and conquered anything that came his way. It was impossible to be around Eric and not know how to defend the essence of who you are. Like his father, he understood this unforgiving world and learned to function within it. He had an unwavering love for his mother and adored his brother, Wise, always seeing himself as Wise's keeper and protector even after Wise had passed on. He grew up in Steubenville, mostly on Highland Avenue, and everyone in the neighborhood knew he had a no-nonsense love that pushed us all to be fearless. As Eric grew older and wiser, he grew impressive and unforgettable bonds with his children. He always loved them and hoped they would go on to show the strength he helped so many others to have. Eric was an avid watcher of boxing and National Geographic as his love for his dogs was unimaginable!

A gathering will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022, from 11:30 am until the time of the funeral service, 12 noon, at the GREGORY-MARTIN CHAPEL, 255 S. 7th Street in Steubenville, Ohio.